Unveiling the True Identity and Legacy of William Wallace

In the film Braveheart, William Wallace is portrayed as fighting for the 'freedom' of common Scotsmen. But was this truly the case? If Wallace had defeated the English, would Scotland simply be ruled by Scottish nobles or kings who were equally oppressive?

Wallace as a Noble

Wallace was a minor noble at best, and likely of Welsh origin. He was probably born into a family that spoke French as their primary language, a fact that is often glossed over in films like Braveheart. Historical records, however, do not definitively confirm this.

Popular portrayals of Wallace as a commoner, such as in the film, do not align with the historical evidence. Many earlier depictions of Wallace also portrayed him as a noble. The claim that Wallace's first attack on the English in Lanark was in revenge for an attack on a woman he loved named Marion, or the alleged murder of some Scottish nobles, is not backed by historical facts and is believed to be a product of the 15th century.

The Inaccuracies and Realities

The source material for the film Braveheart is an equally inaccurate poem, The Acts and Deeds of Sir William Wallace Knight of Elderslie, which dates from 1470. Many of the inaccuracies are derived from this older, but still misrepresented, poem.

The Scottish Crown and Feudalism

The Scottish throne was disputed between the Balliol clan and the Bruce family. Edward I, also known as Longshanks, supported the Balliols because they were more compliant. However, the Balliols eventually secured the crown, but only as puppets under Edward's control.

Was the rule under such Scottish nobles oppressive? In reality, Scotland, under feudalism, operated much like medieval England. The societal structure, with its emphasis on feudal duties and obligations, was simply the norm. Peasants served their lords to receive justice, protection, and the right to work their land and feed their families. This system, while restrictive by modern standards, was familiar and understood by the populace. They did not necessarily consider themselves oppressed, as they had no experience with alternative forms of governance.

Moreover, even after Wallace's death, the political landscape saw a shift. Robert the Bruce, a Norman lord born in Essex with limited royal legitimacy, overthrew his rival John 'the Red' Comyn and seized the Scottish throne. In 1314, Bruce decisively defeated the English at the Battle of Bannockburn, despite being significantly outnumbered. In the aftermath, Scotland reverted to a feudal system, similar to that which had been established under David I in 1124. This setup, with its castles, burghs, and cities administered by Norman knights, was deeply entrenched in Scottish society for centuries.

Conclusion

The legacy of William Wallace is complex and multifaceted. While his fight for 'freedom' remains a central part of the narrative, the true nature of his identity and the reality of the feudal Scotland he sought to liberate offer a more nuanced perspective. The truth may be more layered than the Hollywood representation, but it is equally compelling and worth exploring.